With summer around the corner, the season is becoming ripe for stone fruit varieties, and Kelso's Yarralee Orchard has commenced its harvest for the upcoming festive period.
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The effects of the drought has resulted in a lighter crop this year, but the orchard is producing another fruitful harvest of peaches, nectarines, cherries and various other stone fruits.
Orchard owner Bina Gordon said while the dry weather can make it difficult for crop growth, it provides some surprising benefits for blossomed stone fruits.
"The hot, dry conditions allow for an intense flavour to develop in stone fruits, whereas intense rainfall would dissolve the natural sugars," Ms Gordon said.
"While the lack of spring rainfall has resulted in smaller fruits, they're tastier than ever."
Ms Gordon said the weather plays a key role in determining the quality of crops, and it varies from season to season.
"Heavy rain and hail can spoil crops, while extreme heat can cause fruit to soften quickly," she said.
"However, last weekend's hot weather encouraged us to pick the peaches earlier than usual, giving us a positive head start."
Ms Gordon said many of the orchard's customers provide some interesting recipes utilising stone fruits, particularly of the alcoholic persuasion.
"Some of our customers mix stone fruits with brandy and butter to create a unique assortment of desserts," she said.
However, Ms Gordon said their fruit stands out on its own as a healthy and nutritious snack.
"Our fruits are perfect for children's lunchboxes, and we tree-ripen all fruits to ensure they're ready to eat as soon as they're picked," she said.
"There's so many beneficial vitamins and minerals in stone fruits, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy their flavours.
Yarralee Orchard is located along Marsden Lane near the Limekilns Road intersection. For more information, visit the orchard's Facebook page.